In a small home, the right size depends first on the space available and the connections you can make. A compact countertop model means you don’t need to set aside floor space, but its limited capacity may mean running more frequent cycles. A 45 cm model is a good fit if you have room on the floor and want to load more dishes. Only consider a 60 cm appliance if its depth and door swing won’t get in the way or make your kitchen harder to use.
If there’s no floor space available, a compact model that sits on a stable worktop is worth considering. Check how much worktop space it will take up, and how many dishes you’ll need to wash between cycles. UFC-Que Choisir presents 6-place countertop models as an option for smaller homes.
A slimline appliance can offer more room for dishes than a mini model, as long as its depth, door swing and connections are suitable. The Essentielb ELVS-441s model featured by Boulanger measures 44.8 × 84.5 × 61 cm, so its narrower width doesn’t mean it’s shallow.
Compare the noise level stated for each model, whatever its size. In a room you also use for relaxing, noise may have more of an impact on your choice. According to ADEME, an extra 3 dB is equivalent to almost doubling the noise.
Start by measuring the space and checking what installation options are available. Then choose the capacity you need and compare the usage figures for the models you’re considering.
| Priority | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Measure the width, height and depth of the space. Allow room for the hoses and the door to open, and make sure you have a stable surface for a countertop appliance. | I want to be able to load the appliance without blocking the way or losing worktop space I need. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated place settings with the amount of crockery you’ll have between washes, including saucepans. The product details cited list 3 or 6 place settings for compact models, and 10 for the 44.8 cm Essentielb ELVS-441s featured by Boulanger. | If we often cook for two, I’d rather check that a small appliance won’t mean having to run lots of extra cycles. |
| Connections | Check the manual for the exact model to find out about the water supply, drainage, electrical supply and any accessories you’ll need. UFC-Que Choisir describes these three connections for installing a dishwasher. Check the water supply requirements for a compact model individually, as they can vary from one model to another. | Before choosing a spot, I want to know where the water will come in and where it will drain away. |
| Noise | Compare the stated dB level and noise class for the appliances you’re considering. ADEME notes that a 3 dB difference is equivalent to almost doubling the noise. | My kitchen opens onto the living area, so noise matters even if the appliance is small. |
| Consumption | Compare the kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per cycle and Eco programme duration on the energy label, taking capacity into account. The European Commission says these figures are shown on dishwasher energy labels. | I want to compare appliances using the same programme, rather than looking only at their energy class. |
The height, depth and space needed to open the door could make it impossible to install a model, even if it’s narrow enough.
Measure the whole space and check your measurements against the dimensions and clearances in the manual for the model you’ve chosen.
A compact size doesn’t tell you how the appliance takes in and drains water. The Bob product descriptions we checked at Boulanger and on Joybuy give different information about its water supply, so don’t assume the same installation method applies to every version.
Check the manual for the exact version, including the water inlet, drainage point and any accessories you’ll need.
If the space isn’t already equipped, you may need to adapt the connections before installing the appliance.
A small appliance takes up less space, but it may need to run more frequently if your everyday dishes exceed its practical capacity.
Work out what you’ll want to wash in one go, including large plates and saucepans. If you have floor space, compare a 45 cm model too.
Two models with the same energy class may differ in capacity, cycle duration or water consumption, and may not suit your needs equally well.
Compare the Eco programme figures on the energy label, then check that the capacity lets you load the appliance as often as you’d like.
These models show the range of sizes available. Their features don’t necessarily apply to every appliance from the same brand.
The CP 6E51LS is an example of a 6-place countertop compact model.
The Bob featured in a Boulanger selection is an example of a 3-place countertop model.
The ELVS-441s is an example of a slimline, freestanding appliance.
The 14S44 B XAD929C is an example of a 60 cm freestanding appliance.
This selection includes compact countertop models and a 60 cm freestanding appliance, which is only worth considering if your kitchen has room for it. Compare how each one is installed and its capacity against the space you have.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop appliance with manual filling. The title lists 7 programmes and a D energy class. Check the manual to find out where the drain hose needs to go before choosing a spot for it.
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The 5 L built-in tank listed in the title means you can fill it manually. The product details also describe a tap connection. If you choose this option, check that the connection is compatible: the tap adaptor is listed as not included.
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Its stated capacity of 6 place settings may suit a household that would find a lower-capacity mini model restrictive. The title lists 47 dB and a D energy class. Measure the space and check the manual for connection and drainage requirements.
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This 3-place model is worth considering if you have a small amount of washing up between cycles. Before setting aside space for it, check the manual to find out how to supply it with water, where to drain the wastewater and which accessories are included.
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This 60 cm model is only suitable for a small home if it can be installed without blocking the way. The title lists 14 place settings, 41 dB and a C energy class. Check the depth, door swing and required clearances.
You’ll need an electricity supply and a way to supply and drain water, as set out in the manual for your chosen model. UFC-Que Choisir describes water, electricity and drainage as the three connections needed to install a dishwasher. For a compact model with manual filling, pay particular attention to the drainage system and any required accessories.
No. Size is no substitute for comparing the stated noise level of each model. According to ADEME, an extra 3 dB is equivalent to almost doubling the noise, which is worth bearing in mind, particularly in an open-plan kitchen.
Compare the A to G energy class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per cycle, Eco programme duration, capacity and noise level. The European Commission says these figures are shown on dishwasher energy labels. Also consider them alongside the amount of washing up you expect to do.
Yes. The European Commission uses the Eco programme as the basis for comparing the figures shown on energy labels. Check the stated duration too, as choosing a model based on these reference consumption figures doesn’t mean you’re choosing the quickest cycle.